A study by Zandi estimates that every dollar put into the food stamp program produces a $1.73 increase in the economy as the money is spent and spent again. By contrast, every dollar put into the business tax breaks that are in the stimulus package will increase the economy by 27 cents, according to the study.

Unfortunately, this is the wrong metric. The correct metric is, of course, how many of those stimulus dollars end up in campaign contributions to Republicans.